The Children of Hurin

There are tales of Middle-earth from times long before The Lord of the Rings. The story told in this book is set in the great country that lay beyond the Grey Havens in the West: lands where Treebeard once walked, but which were drowned in the great cataclysm that ended the First Age of the World.

The Return of the King: Book Three in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The Return of the King is the towering climax to J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy that tells the saga of the hobbits of Middle-earth and the great War of the Rings. In this concluding volume, Frodo and Sam make a terrible journey to the heart of the Land of the Shadow in a final reckoning with the power of Sauron. In addition to narrating the prose passages, Rob Inglis sings the trilogy’s songs and poems a capella, using melodies composed by Inglis and Claudia Howard, the Recorded Books studio director.

Tales from the Perilous Realm (Dramatised)

Michael Hordern stars as J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, in four BBC Radio full-cast dramatisations. Tolkien's tales of myth, mystery, and rumbustious exploits have been specially adapted for radio by Brian Sibley, one of the dramatists of the highly acclaimed BBC radio production of The Lord of the Rings.

The Two Towers: Book Two in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The Two Towers is the second volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, The Lord of the Rings. The Fellowship has been forced to split up. Frodo and Sam must continue alone towards Mount Doom, where the One Ring must be destroyed. Meanwhile, at Helm’s Deep and Isengard, the first great battles of the War of the Ring take shape. In this splendid, unabridged audio production of Tolkien’s great work, all the inhabitants of a magical universe - hobbits, elves, and wizards - spring to life. Rob Inglis’ narration has been praised as a masterpiece of audio.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Book One in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume in the trilogy, tells of the fateful power of the One Ring. It begins a magnificent tale of adventure that will plunge the members of the Fellowship of the Ring into a perilous quest and set the stage for the ultimate clash between the powers of good and evil.

The Hobbit

Like every other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than a quiet evening in his snug hole in the ground, dining on a sumptuous dinner in front of a fire. But when a wandering wizard captivates him with tales of the unknown, Bilbo becomes restless. Soon he joins the wizard’s band of homeless dwarves in search of giant spiders, savage wolves, and other dangers. Bilbo quickly tires of the quest for adventure and longs for the security of his familiar home. But before he can return to his life of comfort, he must face the greatest threat of all.

The Silmarillion, Volume 1

The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.

The Silmarillion, Volume 2

The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.

Farmer Giles of Ham

Farmer Giles of Ham did not look like a hero. He was fat and red-bearded and enjoyed a slow, comfortable life. Then one day a rather deaf and short-sighted giant blundered on to his land. More by luck than skill, Farmer Giles managed to scare him away. The people of the village cheered: Farmer Giles was a hero. His reputation spread far and wide across the kingdom. So it was natural that when the dragon Chrysophylax visited the area it was Farmer Giles who was expected to do battle with it!

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return of the King (Dramatised)

A BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of the third book in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Brian Sibley's famous 1981 adaptation, starring Ian Holm and Michael Hordern, has been divided into three corresponding parts, with newly recorded beginning and end narration by Ian Holm.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Dramatised)

A BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of the first book in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Brian Sibley's famous 1981 adaptation, starring Ian Holm and Michael Hordern, has been divided into three corresponding parts, with newly recorded beginning and end narration by Ian Holm.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (Dramatised)

A BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of the second book in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Brian Sibley's famous 1981 adaptation, starring Ian Holm and Michael Hordern, has been divided into three corresponding parts, with newly recorded beginning and end narration by Ian Holm.

Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'

The Hobbit is one of the most widely read and best-loved books of the 20th century. Now Professor Corey Olsen takes listeners deep within the text to uncover its secrets and delights. Chapter by chapter, he reveals the stories within the story: the dark desires of dwarves and the sublime laughter of elves, the nature of evil and its hopelessness, the mystery of divine providence and human choice, and, most of all, the transformation within the life of Bilbo Baggins.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Volume 2: The End of the Third Age

The Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures as the quest continues. Aragon, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and took part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by orcs, escaped into Fangorn Forest and there encountered the Ents. And all the time the armies of the Dark Lord are massing.

Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle-earth

Tolkien and the Great War tells for the first time the full story of how he embarked on the creation of Middle-earth in his youth as the world around him was plunged into catastrophe. This biography reveals the horror and heroism that he experienced as a signals officer in the Battle of the Somme and introduces the circle of friends who spurred his mythology to life.

The Hobbit (Dramatised)

The radio dramatisation of The Hobbit became a classic when it was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1968 and it continues to delight today. Tolkien's famous saga, the prelude to the Lord of the Rings, has all the ingredients of fantasy and adventure: dwarves, elves, goblins and trolls, a fearsome dragon, a great wizard, a perilous quest, and a dramatic climax.

The Hobbit, Part 2

Smaug certainly looked fast asleep, when Bilbo peeped once more from the entrance. He was just about to step out onto the floor when he caught a sudden thin ray of red from under the drooping lid of Smaug's left eye. He was only pretending to be sleep! He was watching the tunnel entrance! Whisked from his comfortable hobbit-hole by Gandalf the wizard and a band of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Volume 1: The Ring Sets Out

In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

Jurassic Park: A Novel

An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind's most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them - for a price.

The Hobbit (Dramatized)

Bilbo Baggins, a gentle hobbit who loves the comforts of home, reluctantly joins a company of dwarves on a journey to recover plundered gold from a fierce dragon. It's a tale of high adventure and astonishing courage, and a magical prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Time of Contempt: The Witcher, Book 2

Geralt is a witcher: guardian of the innocent; protector of those in need; a defender, in dark times, against some of the most frightening creatures of myth and legend. His task now is to protect Ciri. A child of prophecy, she will have the power to change the world for good or for ill - but only if she lives to use it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Volume 1: The War of the Ring

The Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures as the quest continues. Aragon, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and took part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by orcs, escaped into Fangorn Forest and there encountered the Ents. And all the time the armies of the Dark Lord are massing.

The Hobbit, Part 1

Smaug certainly looked fast asleep, when Bilbo peeped once more from the entrance. He was just about to step out onto the floor when he caught a sudden thin ray of red from under the drooping lid of Smaug's left eye. He was only pretending to be sleep! He was watching the tunnel entrance! Whisked from his comfortable hobbit-hole by Gandalf the wizard and a band of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.

The Two Towers (Dramatized)

The Fellowship is broken; the quest to destroy the Ring seems already shrouded in disaster. But as the evil lord Sauron readies his armies for war, Frodo and Sam continue their lonely journey toward Mordor, guided only by Gollum, a deceitful and tortured creature, helplessly in thrall to the Ring's dark power.

Publisher's Summary

There are tales of Middle-earth from times long before The Lord of the Rings. The story told in this book is set in the great country that lay beyond the Grey Havens in the West: lands where Treebeard once walked, but which were drowned in the great cataclysm that ended the First Age of the World.

In that remote time, Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in the vast fortress of Angband, the Hells of Iron, in the North; and the tragedy of Túrin and his sister Nienor unfolded within the shadow of the fear of Angband and the war waged by Morgoth against the lands and secret cities of the Elves. Their brief and passionate lives were dominated by the elemental hatred that Morgoth bore them as the children of Húrin, the man who had dared to defy and to scorn him to his face. Against them he sent his most formidable servant, Glaurung, a powerful spirit in the form of a huge wingless dragon of fire.

Into this story of brutal conquest and flight, of forest hiding-places and pursuit, of resistance with lessening hope, the Dark Lord and the Dragon enter in direly articulate form. Sardonic and mocking, Glaurung manipulated the fates of Túrin and Nienor by lies of diabolic cunning and guile, and the curse of Morgoth was fulfilled.

The earliest versions of this Tolkien story go back to the end of the First World War and the years that followed. But long afterwards, when The Lord of the Rings was finished, he revised and greatly enlarged it, enhancing complexities of motive and character. It became the dominant story in his later work on Middle-earth. But he could not bring it to a final and finished form. In this book, Christopher Tolkien has constructed, after long study of the manuscripts, a coherent narrative without any editorial invention.

This is a powerful and disturbing novel -- the tragic story of a man crippled by external misfortune and by his own proud and violent temperament. I began this book in paper format when it first came out but soon gave it up. I found the story to be grim and unappealing. I then decided to give Audible a try, and I'm glad I did. Christopher Lee's brilliant narration saved the book for me. He gives full justice to Tolkien's musical prose and The Children of Hurin carried me happily through several weeks of commuting. I have to say that the story is easier to take when split up into 20 minute chunks.

The text that we have was not completed by Tolkien, but was edited by his son from rough drafts and notes. This accounts for a lot. The novel is repetitious. In fact, it feels as if one is hearing the same story several times over. The same themes of heroism, followed by rashness and failure, occur again and again throughout the novel in slightly different episodes. And throughout, Turin, the hero, never seems to learn anything or to be changed by what he experiences. It occurred to me at the end, that perhaps what we have is precisely that: several attempts at the same short story, strung one after the other, rather than a complete novel with a fully realized narrative arc.

I suspect that if Tolkien had managed to finish the work to his liking, it would have been shorter, or more varied. It is one aspect of Tolkien's genius, evident in the Hobbit and the LOTR, that he never tells the same story twice. Every chapter of the Hobbit, for example, is not only a different adventure, but a different kind of adventure. That inventiveness is missing from The Children of Hurin. For this reason, I give the book only 4 stars instead of 5.

Nonetheless, I am glad that I bought this recording. Christopher Lee is first rate and the work is a masterpiece, albeit a flawed and unfinished one.

Having read "Unfinished Tales," I was familiar with this story already. Christopher Tolkien does a wonderful job with fleshing it out into a full novel. Christopher Lee reads it like only Christopher Lee can do. The only think I would have like better then having him read this story is if Christopher Tolkien had read it himself. I was very happy and now I'll actually have to buy the book while it is still in first edition. Go Christopher(s.)

I have read many of the reviews and it seems that you will not like this book if a happy ending is essential to you. For me, happy endings are nice, but I dont need them to enjoy the story. I agree that you will enjoy this book more if you have read the Silmarillion-- oh darn, another great book to read... Personally, I prefer these tragic epics to the Ring & Hobbit series -- they are dense and complex and the characters stay with you -- these stories are facinating. The narration is a bit mello dramatic and the music is terrible, but it didnt bother me too much. This is a great winter book to read by the fire.

Wonderful book for Tolkien fans. Christopher Lee, who played Saruman, does a wonderful job narrating. A Tolkien fanatic in his own right his reading lends an almost palpable weight to the story, helped by how easily he reads Tolkien's imagined languages. Non-Tolkien fans or new readers may find this book difficult to follow at times and would be better served to start with his more well known works.

If you want the true experience of Tolkein's genius, you need to read the Silmarillion, not the Lord of the Rings. This is an expansion of one of the tales from the Silmarillion, which deals with the great tragedies of Middle Earth eons before LOTR, and the epic battles between the stranded races of Humans, Elves and Dwarves with Morgoth/Lucifer. If you love true literature, not just modern trash, then this will bring great joy. Those who found this book difficult, need to read the Silmarillion, as you cannot possibly understand what is happening in the "Children of Hurin" without it. Highly Recommended.

An excellent rendition of this newly-reconstructed tale. Tolkien fans should take note, however, that this recording does not include Christopher Tolkien's introduction or notes on the text. You'll want to supplement your listening with a print copy for these, as well as the map, geneologies, reference sections, and beautiful illustrations by Alan Lee.

someone got a clue! fabulous, perfect narrator, now please: the silmarillion, the ring "trilogy" and the whole tolkein corpus, unabridged and with narration of this quality, should mr. lee prove unavailable for the enirety of such a mammoth project. how can no one have done this yet?!

This book requires the listener to be patient and skim over the alien sounding names. Eventually you gain an understanding of the characters and the story line. I have to admit it was a lot easier to listen to than to actually read as pronunciation was handled by the reader. Christopher Lee did a stirling job and presented a wonderful story in a appropriate and entertaining tone.

Christopher Lee's narration really makes this book accessible and enjoyable. His pronunciation of the difficult Elvish words is accurate and spry in a way. I love his different voices for the different characters, especially Morwen. His interpretation of her really adds to the listener's imagining of the character.

Rich, sonorous, evocative reading by Christopher Lee of this epic tale. Definitely worth getting - the other reviewer is right, the ending is sad, and not in the way that a tragedy is somehow satisfying. Still, worth it for all that - an enchanted sword & helm, love, revenge, elves, dwarves, orcs and a dragon and curses a-plenty! I enjoyed it very much.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

William

United Kingdom

1/24/13

Overall

"An Epic and Griping Tale"

An excellent tale read by Christopher Lee who's voice brings it to life. I'd recommend reading/listening The Silmarillion first so that you can truly understand and respect the gravity of the events that happen in this book. Part of this tale is told there but not nearly all of it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Yan

Manchester, United Kingdom

12/23/12

Overall

"Fantastic insight into the past of Middle Earth."

The Children of Hurin is, like most of Tolkien's books, set in the same Universe as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is however set in much earlier age, long before Wizards and Hobbits appear on the scene.

It picks up the story about mid-way through the Samarillion and follows in much greater detail the history of men and elves and follows particularly the family of Hurin, a king of men and their continuous striving against Morgoth.

Christopher Lee has a fantastic voice and really brings the characters alive in this gripping epic tale of misfortune and determination to not be beaten by an overwhelming evil.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

BMX Bill

8/12/12

Overall

"A truly epic, tragic saga"

I have just finished listening to the audiobook version of "The Children of Hurin" by J.R.R. Tolkien- told in elegant and bold prose, at times bordering on poetry akin to the style of Old Norse Sagas.

Read by Christopher Lee (who played Saruman the White Wizard in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy)- a powerful voice equal to the telling and with much of the nobility and bearing which flow from Tolkien's words- the story is conjured in to life and absorbs you into the legendarium. His pronounciation is rich, his tones varied and evocative delivering a powerful narrative experience.

Those with an ear for a good tale, whatever the ending or the style will cherish this story and those whos imaginations have been piqued by Tolkien's writing in the past shall not be disappointed. I was enthralled by this book and I heartily recommend it!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Lynda

Leigh on Sea, Essex, United Kingdom

11/11/07

Overall

"Such a sad tale"

This is a well written tale and the narrator does a very good job. Tolkien fans will find enjoyment in the expansion of the world. But it is just so sad and to be honest somewhat predictably so, that it took away some of the pleasure for me. I guess I like to see the good guys win and live happily ever after.

10 of 13 people found this review helpful

Timothy

Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

3/13/09

Overall

"The Children of Hurin - not easy listening."

This is not a pick up and leave type of book and I don?t mean it?s a ?can?t put down? type of story; I mean it takes a lot of concentration to get into the story and once you are into it you can lose the thread very easily, there are so many names that it really does become hard to follow. I thought it would be a real treat to listen to Christopher Lee telling a new Tolkien tale, but unfortunately it did not meet with my expectations - Christopher Lee has a unique diction that regrettably seems to get in the way of the story telling. A great deal of effort is given over the pronunciation of the names and places, but he never seems to get comfortable with them. I have been a huge fan of Tolkien for almost as long as I have been able to read, but I would not recommend this to anyone new to Tolkien or to Audible books.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

Huw

6/18/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Brilliantly voiced and written"

Narration was perfect, story was well written and extremely enjoyable to listen to. I happy to to listen to again and will have to get more books by J.R.R Tolkin

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Edward Gauntt

3/30/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Chris Lee is a legend - but cringeworthy at times"

Would you try another book written by J. R. R. Tolkien or narrated by Christopher Lee?

Naturally, he inspired generations and intricately wrought a universe so tantalisingly close enough to ours to be the escape for millions with intricate characters and sword craft, wizardry, elves and of course the little people.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Children of Hurin?

Chris Lee voicing a vulnerable young girl. Cringeworthy. Story wise however it is the fateful memory regain of one of the doomed towards the end.

What three words best describe Christopher Lee’s performance?

Bone rattling, cringeworthy, over acted.

Could you see The Children of Hurin being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

Please don't.

Any additional comments?

The story is not Tolkiens finest. With occasional hiccups in the continuity and without a map it is at times rather difficult to follow. Seriously drags on a bit in the beginning as well. It is very strange that he paints a Sauronesque all powerful evil force who then goes twenty years without apparently doing anything.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Pablo

2/15/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"it's ok but too narrative"

I enjoyed it at times but too many descriptions and not enough dialogue for my taste

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

KathrynS

Beijing, China

11/25/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"A 'must read' for fans of Tolkien"

Any additional comments?

Christopher Lee's reading of this book brings what could be a somewhat dry narrative to life. Tolkien's writing is beautiful, but lacks some of the character development of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Hobbit. It is important to remember however that this was never a fully completed narrative and should be read as such. It has an interesting, if tragic, storyline that does hold the reader with the help of Lee's sonorous tones.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.